Submitted by LMBryce, Oct 19, 2007 23:41

I have some questions/comments in response to ejdc's comments. The last comment made saying that "We all pay for all government programs and services, whether we use them or not. We are also free to choose an option other than what the government offers and we pay for that ourselves. Why should schools suddenly be different?" Because we have the opportunity to change the way government funding is done, so that it can benefit ALL of us. When I read this it made me think of the many government programs that we pay for via taxes, and how unhappy many Americans (at least the ones that I know) are with these programs. I for one, am sickened by the thought of paying for medicaid out of my taxes when I can't qualify to benefit from this program, and can't qualify for health insurance to pay for my own medical bills. I guess I feel that I should be able to benefit from the taxes I pay during this time that I need it. Isn't that what taxes are for?

Also, you said "Those who oppose the voucher simply do not believe that the taxpayers at large should be forced to pay for those parents choice" talking about the taxpayers at large paying for the 2% of students that go to private schools. Instead, it's right to make the 2% pay for everyone else's education? Why shouldn't we have a choice? I went to public school, and I feel like no one took my education seriously. I had one or two teachers each year that I knew cared about my well being, but alone, they couldn't give me a more serious education that I deserved. However, my niece is going to a private school and learns all of the same things I did, and more. Also, she has teachers, administrators, parents, and other volunteers who care, and are able to make her schooling experience much better.

When you do the math, it doesn't take away any money from the students staying in public schools. It only offers a bit more relief for parents paying for private schooling, and the difference stays with the public school system which now has one less student, but keeps most of the funds they would have received. It's simple math to me, and I wish I could see a valid reason to oppose the voucher program. Isn't it better for us to have a choice in the education our kids receive?

Sorry if I'm just rambling on. I have a lot of thoughts and would really like to understand the position of those opposing the voucher program, because it's all too clear to me that it's a better program. Any comments or opinions would be appreciated.

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